Civilians embroiled in Sudan’s civil conflict have shared harrowing tales with the BBC, detailing instances of rape, ethnic violence, and extrajudicial killings near the capital, Khartoum. The United Nations has described the situation as a significant humanitarian crisis, potentially leading to the largest hunger crisis globally.
Concerns are mounting over a possible recurrence of genocide in Darfur, reminiscent of atrocities two decades ago, as labeled by the United States.
In a startling event in Omdurman, adjacent to Khartoum, civilians scramble for cover following a sudden explosion, indicating the ongoing dangers despite some shops reopening.
The BBC’s front-line access reveals Omdurman’s transformation into a desolate area, highlighting the severe impact of the conflict between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group. The power struggle has resulted in thousands of deaths, with the RSF controlling significant portions of Darfur, exacerbating long-standing communal tensions.
Survivors from Darfur, now refugees in Chad, recount sexual violence and other atrocities committed by militiamen. Despite restrictions on media coverage, these firsthand accounts underscore the widespread violence, including targeted ethnic attacks.
The conflict has led to mass displacement, with over three million fleeing Khartoum State alone. Omdurman’s residents, particularly the elderly, bear witness to the extensive casualties and destruction.
The Sudanese military’s tactics, including aerial bombings in civilian areas to target RSF hideouts, have drawn criticism. Meanwhile, residents accuse the RSF of looting and violence during its control.
The broader implications of the conflict extend to strained diplomatic relations, with Mexico condemning Texas’ immigration control measures as “anti-immigrant” and warning of deteriorating relations with the U.S. The Department of Justice and Mexican authorities have criticized the hostile environments created by such policies, emphasizing the need for legal challenges against them.
This complex scenario paints a grim picture of Sudan’s current state, with significant humanitarian implications, rising tensions, and a deepening crisis that mirrors the nation’s troubled past, underscoring the urgent need for a resolution.
